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ABF runners Paul and Peter French celebrated their
70th birthday two days later!
36 runners laced up their trainers and ran the Flora London Marathon on 13 April for the ABF, raising money for soldiers, veterans and their families in need. It is hoped the runners will raise over £48,000 between them for the soldiers' charity.
Among the runners were retired Army colonels Paul and Peter French who celebrate their 70th birthday on the 15 April, just 2 days after the Marathon. They reached the finish line in an impressive 4 hours 46 minutes. Paul and Peter are both veteran marathon runners and have clocked up a total of 28 marathons between them.
Sgt Lee Dyson, 32 is currently serving with the Army in JHQ Rheindahlen, Germany as part of Defence Equipment and Support and ran the Flora London Marathon in 3 hours 45 minutes for the ABF. He is supporting the ABF as he feels strongly about the cause the charity supports, especially in light of current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Major Alan Jarvis runs a marathon
in Afghanistan - in body armour
Another soldier ran for the ABF, a long way from the masses of runners in London. In Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Para Major Alan Jarvis, aged 33 of the Royal Engineers, ran his own marathon by running 38 circuits of his base in Lashkar Gah, which is equivalent to 26 miles. Maj Jarvis did this in just 6 hours in body armour, weighing around 10 kg. He began his impressive fundraiser at 5am to avoid the intense heat of the midday sun.
"The London Marathon is a feature in the calendar and just because I am deployed in Afghanistan, I don't believe it should stop me taking part in my own way. I'm really pleased to have finished the course, it was quite tough going at times, but I pushed through."
Major Alan Jarvis, running a marathon in Afghanistan
Sponsorship raised by the ABF marathon runners will be used to fund the ABF's vital work.
"We are delighted with the support and commitment all of our ABF runners have shown by running the Flora London Marathon and to Major Jarvis for his unique and heroic marathon fundraiser in Afghanistan. I would like to thank them and congratulate them on their great achievement on the day, despite the changeable April weather in London. The money they raise will be invaluable in helping us continue our vital work and make a real difference to the quality of life for our brave soldiers, former soldiers and their families."
Emma Harvey, Head of Corporate Fundraising and Special Events, ABF
Special Hotels of the World in conjunction with Lakeside Hotel 'the best four star hotel and spa on the shores of Windermere' is supporting the ABF Flora London Marathon runners, and will reward the top fundraiser with a sumptuous two night midweek stay at the four star Lakeside Hotel and spa, on the shores of Lake Windermere in the English Lake District.
For media enquiries please call Emma Keegan at the ABF on 0845 241 4826.
